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WISHLIST
In the world of lifeguarding and water rescue, understanding the use of aquatic spineboards for backboarding and extrication is critical. Aquatic spineboards are specifically designed for the unique challenges water rescuers face when dealing with victims in a pool, lake, or surf environment.
These boards provide greater stability than traditional land-based boards due to their shape and buoyancy characteristics while also keeping the patient as stable as possible during long-distance towing.
The critical nature of such rescues often means that the patient needs to be removed quickly and efficiently, so having a board designed specifically for water-based extraction is essential. Aquatic spineboards have been designed to provide the right balance of stability and maneuverability, allowing lifeguards and rescue teams to get victims out of dangerous situations quickly.
Before you stock aquatic spineboards for your business, check out this guide to help you find the best solution for your water rescue needs. We explain what features to look for, as well as discuss why having the right board is so crucial in water rescue situations.
Before diving into the various features of aquatic spineboards, let’s briefly look at backboarding and extrication. For lifeguards and other water rescue personnel, backboarding and extrication is the process of getting a person out of the water in an emergency situation. This could include situations such as drowning, spinal injury, or unconsciousness.
To get victims out safely, rescuers will use a spineboard to immobilize them during transport while also protecting their neck and spine from further injury. The goal is to minimize movement and provide support for the head, neck, and spine during transport.
Backboarding requires that rescuers be able to maneuver in tight spaces with limited visibility, so having a board specifically designed for aquatic rescue can be invaluable. With the right aquatic spineboard, you can get victims out of the water quickly and safely.
When it comes to selecting an aquatic spineboard, there are several features that you should look for to ensure that you are getting a board that is up to the task of backboarding and extrication in water-based emergency situations. Here are a few of the features you should look for in a quality aquatic spineboard:
1. Stability: The most crucial feature of any spineboard is its ability to keep the patient stable during transport. Look for boards with features that can provide maximum stability, such as non-skid surfaces and contoured edges.
2. Buoyancy: In water-based rescues, it’s important to have a board that is buoyant enough to keep the patient floating. Look for boards designed with high-density foam, which can provide extra buoyancy while keeping the patient secure.
3. Maneuverability: When dealing with tight spaces and limited visibility, it’s essential to have a board that is easy to maneuver in any situation. Look for boards with handles on both sides and a lightweight design so you can get the patient out of the water quickly.
4. Durability: Aquatic spineboards should be able to withstand the rigors of water-based rescues. Look for boards made from high-quality materials such as polyethylene that can stand up to wear and tear.
Anyone involved in water rescue, lifeguarding, and extrication can benefit from having an aquatic spineboard on hand. From small-scale rescues to large-scale operations, having the right board can make a huge difference in getting victims out of dangerous situations quickly and safely.
As a retailer, there are a variety of consumers who may be interested in acquiring aquatic spineboards, including:
Lifeguards
Swim instructors
Aquatic centers
Resort pools and beaches
Rescue teams
Search and rescue personnel.
The larger the organization, the more likely it will be to require multiple boards. No matter what the situation, having access to the right board can make all the difference in a water-based rescue.
If you are on the hunt for the best aquatic spineboards, it's essential to know your options. While most manufactured aquatic spineboards will offer the same basic features, some may offer additional benefits such as floatation devices and waterproofing.
One of the best resources available for backboarding and extrication is Ellis & Associates. As a world leader in Aquatic Safety since the 1980s, E&A offers excellent training resources, videos, and guides to lifeguards all around the world. Click here to see an example of a Training Program Manual from 2020 with 244 pages of great rescue training techniques.
A quick search online for Ellis & Associates training will offer plenty of videos and resources on how to rescue victims. In E&A's International Lifeguard Training Program (ILTP) the larger Aquatic Spineboard is often used and preferred. This board is a bit larger than many standard rescue boards and offers a nice broad surface to rescue and secure a victim - measuring 80" long by 20" wide.
At Kemp USA, we are proud to carry two types of Aquatic Spineboard Kits - a plastic version and a wooden version - giving you the best of both worlds for a great price.
If you are looking to stock up on aquatic spineboards, Kemp USA is the best resource for value and quality. Our robust selection of boards is designed to meet any water rescue or lifeguarding need.
Kemp USA TG Aquatic Wooden Spineboard Kit
10-981
A take on a classic rescue board, Kemp USA has modified this aquatic spineboard to make it more functional. The Kemp USA TG Aquatic Wooden Spineboard Kit is the only wooden board on the market to feature wrap-around plastic bumpers on all 4 corners and plastic runners on the bottom.
Crafted from top-quality marine-grade Okoume wood and coated for effortless cleaning and maintenance, our spineboard kit is designed to provide a long-lasting, high-performance solution. The wooden backboard is still a favorite among water rescue professionals due to the wood's perfect natural buoyancy.
The kit comes complete with straps, and our unique EG head blocks, which are virtually indestructible. Customers will appreciate just how versatile the TG Aquatic Wooden Spineboard Kit can be in a variety of water rescue situations.
Kemp USA EG Aquatic Plastic Spineboard Kit
10-982
This aquatic spineboard is unique and makes buoyancy customizable by adjusting the foam rods in the back of the spineboard. The board is hollow making it buoyant, however, the foam rods are inserted in the back to adjust that buoyancy. This means if you need to move a heavier person or have heavy equipment, the foam rods can be taken out and put back in as needed.
The victim's body can be safely secured using the four nylon hook and loop body straps provided, while the two padded EG head blocks, equipped with hook and loop straps, ensure the head is stabilized for patient safety.
Kemp USA EG Head Blocks
10-992
These head blocks are preferred to other blocks in the industry, extremely durable, and will not break if the board is dropped. Just one pair of blocks will last numerous seasons without needing to be replaced.
Other similar head blocks will often crack and break - but Kemp USA has designed these to withstand a fall and will provide exceptional patient stabilization season after season. Their durability is why they are a popular choice among lifeguards and water rescue professionals.
Kemp USA AB Adult Spineboard
10-993
Many public pool facilities and other aquatic establishments, such as hotels, prefer this smaller Kemp USA 18" AB Spineboard, due to its smaller size and weight. Coming in at only 19 lbs, this spineboard's durable polyethylene construction makes this board virtually indestructible and gives it a whopping 700 LBS load capacity.
The board is filled with a high-density foam making it suitable for water rescue - and will not sink when placed in the water. And with the addition of EG head blocks, this board is perfect for any aquatic rescue situation.
When it comes to aquatic spineboards, there are a variety of models out there offering various features and benefits. To ensure you're getting the right board for your specific needs, do your research and look into the options available – including reviews from current owners who have tested them out.
Kemp USA offers the best aquatic spineboard kits, head blocks, and boards for water rescue professionals of all levels. As a trusted wholesaler in the aquatics market, we have bulk buying power - which helps us pass down the savings to our partners and dealers. Additionally, we carry everything in stock in Charlotte, NC, and can drop ship at no additional charge. That means customers get their orders fast and hassle-free.
Want to learn more? Visit us online and find the perfect aquatic spineboard for your water rescue needs today. If you have questions or want to learn more about various rescue boards, head blocks, and accessories, contact us directly. Our team is available to help and would be happy to answer any questions you may have!
